Container wrap

ABSTRACT

A container wrap absorbs and/or collects condensation from the outside of a beverage container carrying a cold beverage, thereby reducing the inconvenience of the condensation. The wrap may include a sleeve and a base, with the base including an absorbent material. The wrap may be foldable into a flat configuration such that it is easily stored yet easily opened for placement on a container. The sleeve may have a frusto-conical shape so that the wrap fits on a similarly shaped container. The sleeve and/or base of a wrap may comprise a pulp material.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) to U.S.Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/527,341, entitled “BeverageContainer Holder”, filed on Dec. 5, 2003, which is herein incorporatedby reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

1. Field of Invention

The invention relates generally to wraps for beverage containers, andmore specifically to wraps that absorb and/or contain condensation thatdevelops on the outside of beverage containers.

2. Discussion of Related Art

A beverage container carrying a cold beverage can form condensation onthe outside of the container. This condensation may be uncomfortable tosome as they hold the container. When the container is set down on asurface, condensation can damage the surface or water puddles can damagearticles present on the surface.

Many beverage container wraps are known which are designed to absorbcondensation that forms on beverage containers. For example, U.S. Pat.No. 5,102,036 to Orr, et al. is directed to a container wrap thatincludes an outer layer of bendable kraft board, and further includescorrugated paper on its inner surface that wraps around the sides of abeverage container and absorbs condensation.

While various beverage container wraps are available, a need exists forbeverage container wraps which provide improved absorption and/orcontainment of excess condensation.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

In one embodiment, a wrap for a beverage container includes a sleeveportion having a top end and a bottom end, and a base portion disposedat the bottom end of the sleeve. The base portion includes an absorbentmaterial selected from the group consisting of: single-faced microflutecardboard; cotton; a starch-based material; and a water-soluble polymer.

In another embodiment of the invention, a wrap for a beverage containerincludes a first portion forming a frusto-conical sleeve for wrapping atleast a portion of the side of the beverage container, the first portioncomprising a first absorbent material. The wrap also includes a secondportion forming a base disposed at or near a bottom of the sleeve, thesecond portion comprising a second absorbent material.

According to yet another embodiment of the invention, a wrap for abeverage container includes a first portion forming a frusto-conicalsleeve for wrapping at least a portion of the side of the beveragecontainer, and a second portion forming a base disposed at or near abottom of the sleeve. The sleeve is integral with the base, and at leastone of the sleeve and the base comprises an absorbent material.

According to another embodiment of the invention, a blank for forming awrap for a beverage container includes an arcuate strip having a lowerend, with a first curved edge, for forming at least a portion of abottom end of a sleeve, and further having an upper end, with a secondcurved edge for forming at least a portion of a top end of the sleeve,such that when the blank is assembled into the wrap for the beveragecontainer, the arcuate strip forms at least a portion of afrusto-conical sleeve. The blank further includes a first base portionextending from the lower end of the arcuate strip such that when theblank is assembled into the wrap for the beverage container, the firstbase portion is located at or near the bottom end of the sleeve. Atleast one of the base portion and the arcuate strip comprises anabsorbent material that is exposed on a side that faces inwardly whenthe blank is assembled into the wrap for the beverage container.

In yet another embodiment of the invention, a wrap for a beveragecontainer includes an outer layer including at least one of a cardboardmaterial, a paper material, and a paperboard material. The wrap furtherincludes an inner layer attached to the outer layer, the inner layerincluding a material that is not any of a cardboard material, a papermaterial, and a paperboard material.

According to another embodiment of the invention, a wrap for a beveragecontainer includes a sleeve adapted to wrap the beverage container, thesleeve comprising a pulp material.

In yet another embodiment of the invention, a wrap for a beveragecontainer includes a sleeve adapted to wrap the beverage container, thesleeve comprising a starch-based material.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings are not intended to be drawn to scale. Forpurposes of clarity, not every component is labeled in every drawing. Inthe drawings:

FIGS. 1 a and 1 b show a beverage container being placed into acontainer wrap according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of a container wrap according to oneembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3 shows a blank which may be assembled into a container wrapaccording to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 4 shows a plan view of a container wrap that has been assembled andfolded into a flat configuration, according to one embodiment of theinvention;

FIG. 5 a shows a cross-sectional view of single-faced microflutecardboard that may be used in some embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 5 b shows a cross-sectional view of corrugated material which maybe used in some embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 5 c shows a cross-sectional view of a support material with anabsorbent material attached thereon, which may be used in someembodiments of the invention;

FIG. 5 d shows a cross-sectional view of an absorbent material having asinusoidal surface, which may be used in some embodiments of theinvention;

FIG. 5 e shows a cross-sectional view of a pulp material which may beused in some embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of a container wrap according to anotherembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of a container wrap according to yetanother embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 8 shows a plan view of a blank according to an alternativeembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 9 shows a plan view of a blank having two arcuate strips accordingto an alternative embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 10 shows a plan view of a blank having two base portions accordingto an alternative embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 11 shows a plan view of a blank according to an alternativeembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 12 shows a plan view of a blank having an alternative structure forattachments according to an alternative embodiment of the invention; and

FIG. 13 shows a plan view of a blank that is designed for assembly intoa container wrap for a cylindrical container.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As described above, beverage containers carrying cold drinks can formcondensation that may be uncomfortable and/or damaging. Embodiments ofthe invention described herein include a container wrap that helps dealwith condensation by absorbing and/or containing excess condensation. Insome embodiments of the invention, a wrap has a base provided with anabsorbent material to catch condensation whether the container is heldby a user or placed on a surface. The base may catch condensation thatruns down the side of the container and/or the wrap, and/or the base mayabsorb or collect condensation formed on the bottom of the container.

In some embodiments of the invention, a wrap is shaped to conform to theshape of the container for ease of use and/or effective absorption. Forexample, cold drinks are sometimes served in cups which have afrusto-conical shape. A wrap may be constructed and arranged such thatinsertion of the frusto-conical cup into the wrap urges the wrap into asimilar shape. In some embodiments, the wrap may be pre-shaped to matchthe shape of the container before the container is inserted.

In some embodiments, a wrap with a frusto-conical sleeve may have aone-piece construction so that it is easily manufactured and assembled.The wrap may include a sleeve portion integral with a base portion, withat least one of the two portions including an absorbent material. Insome embodiments, the sleeve portion and/or the base portion maycomprise multiple portions that are attached together.

In some embodiments of the invention, a blank is provided, for example adie-cut blank, that is easily assembled into a wrap and optionallyfoldable. The blank may include an arcuate strip having a base portionthat extends from a bottom end of the strip. The blank may beconstructed and arranged such that when the blank is assembled into awrap for a container, the arcuate strip forms at least a portion of afrusto-conical sleeve. The base portion and/or the arcuate strip mayinclude an absorbent material that faces inwardly when the blank isassembled to accommodate excess condensation.

In some embodiments, the beverage container wrap is (1) easy tomanufacture, (2) easy to transport, (3) easy to use, and/or (4) easy torecycle. For example, in embodiments of the beverage container wrapwhich are used in fast food establishments or other high throughputestablishments, it may be desirable to provide wraps which are quick andeasy to convert from a flat, “storage” configuration to an opened, “use”configuration.

In some embodiments, a wrap for a beverage container may be constructedwith two or more different materials—one material to provide structuralsupport, and one material to provide absorptive properties. For example,a wrap may have an outer layer formed of a cardboard material, a papermaterial, a paperboard material, or other suitable material orcombinations thereof. The wrap also may have an inner layer attached tothe outer layer, the inner layer including a material that is not acardboard material, a paper material, a paperboard material, or similartype of material.

It may be desirable to provide a wrap that tends to grip the containerupon wetting. In some embodiments, a starch-based material may be usedas an absorbent material in a container wrap. As the starch-basedmaterial absorbs condensation, it may become tacky and grip thecontainer to reduce the possibility that the wrap dislodges from thecontainer.

FIGS. 1 a and 1 b show a container 20 being inserted into a containerwrap 22 according to one embodiment of the invention. A sleeve 24 ofwrap 22 encircles a lower portion 26 of container 20 to absorbcondensation that forms at least on lower portion 26. Condensation thatforms on an upper portion 28 of container 20 and falls to lower portion26 also may be absorbed by wrap 22. To absorb condensation that forms ona bottom of container 22 or condensation that sleeve 24 fails to absorb,wrap 22 optionally may include a base (not shown in FIGS. 1 a and 1 b).

In one embodiment, wrap 22 completely encircles container 20. However,the present invention is not limited in this respect as wrap 22 need notnecessarily completely encircle container 20 as it may wrap less thanthe entire circumference of container 20. Further, in the embodiment ofFIG. 1 b, wrap 22 is configured to wrap only lower portion 26 ofcontainer 20; however, the present invention is not limited in thisrespect as wrap 22 may cover all or part of upper portion 28 ofcontainer 20.

To provide absorptive properties, sleeve 24 and the base of the wrap mayinclude an absorbent material 40 on their inside surfaces. As shown inFIG. 2, a microflute cardboard material may be used to absorbcondensation. In some embodiments, sleeve 24 and the base include thesame absorbent material, while in other embodiments, the two portionsinclude different absorbent materials, as the present invention is notlimited in this respect.

To limit the bulk or cost of the sleeve of wrap 22, in some embodimentsthe inside surface of sleeve 24 does not include an absorbent material,and, in fact, may include a water-repellant surface to hasten themovement of condensation down the side of the wrap toward the base. Insuch an embodiment, the base may be provided with a material that isable to absorb a greater amount of condensation.

To allow for high volume production, easy assembly, and/or easytransport, a wrap 22 may be formed using a blank, such as a die-cutblank. One embodiment of a blank 60 is illustrated in FIG. 3. Blank 60comprises an arcuate strip 62 and an attached base portion 64. Arcuatestrip 62 has an upper edge 66 and a lower edge 68. To assemble a wrapusing blank 60, a first side edge 70 is attached to a second side edge72 to form a frusto-conical sleeve. Base portion 64 may be folded at anapproximately right angle to arcuate strip 62 and a tab 74 may beattached to arcuate strip 62 to form a base of the wrap. Tab 74 may beattached to arcuate strip 62 with adhesive 75 or by any other suitablemethod. Assembly of a wrap from blank 60 may be automated or may beperformed by a manual worker.

If blank 60 is not cut from an absorbent material, an absorbentmaterial, such as those described below with reference to FIGS. 5 a-5 e,or others, may be attached to form blank 60. In some embodiments, anabsorbent material is attached to a large piece of support materialbefore a blank is cut or otherwise produced. It should be noted thatabsorbent material need not be present at all locations on one side ofthe blank or on the inside of an assembled wrap, as the presentinvention is not limited in this respect.

Score lines (including curved score lines, creases, or perforations) maybe provided at various locations to improve the folding characteristicsof the assembled wrap and/or to improve the ease of assembly of a wrapfrom blank 60. For example, in one embodiment, a first score line 67 amay be provided approximately halfway along the length of arcuate strip62, a second score line 67 b may be provided near side edge 72, and athird score line 67 c may be provided on base portion 64. When a wrap isassembled from blank 60 (for instance, by attaching tab 74 to lower edge66 and attaching first side edge 70 to second side edge 72) the wrap maybe folded into a flat configuration, as shown in FIG. 4, along the foldlines. The flat configuration may be desirable for storage or transport.It should be noted that the present invention is not limited in thisrespect as additional or fewer or even no scores need be provided.

In the flat configuration shown in FIG. 4, wrap 22 may be easier tostore and/or easier to transport than a wrap in an open configuration.Additionally, in the particular flat configuration of FIG. 4, a user maysqueeze the folded sides of sleeve 24 (at score lines 67 a, 67 b) towardeach other to open sleeve 24 and simultaneously open base 42 into ahorizontal circle. Base 42 is shown in this particular flatconfiguration to be exterior to sleeve 24. It should be noted that insome embodiments base 42 may be folded such that it is containedpartially or wholly within sleeve 24. The present invention is notlimited to wraps that can be folded.

Many of the wrap embodiments disclosed herein may be provided withabsorptive capacity through the use of one or more of many differenttypes of absorbent materials. FIGS. 5 a-5 e show cross-sectional viewsof several materials which may be used in base 42 according to variousembodiments. The materials shown and described for base 42 may bealternatively or additionally be used in sleeve 24 or other portions ofwrap 22.

FIG. 5 a shows a cross-sectional view of single-faced microflutecardboard which includes a cardboard face 82 and flute material 84adhered to one another. Flute material 84 is configured to face inwardlytoward the container base or container sides. The increased surface areaof the flute material 84 as compared to flat cardboard may provideimproved absorption properties.

For a more flexible and lighter wrap, flute material 84 without anycardboard face may be used as shown in FIG. 5 b. In some embodiments,portions of wrap 22 may include flute material 84 alone while otherportions may include single-faced microflute or double-faced microflute(not shown). In some embodiments, material such as corrugated cardboard,which can have larger flutes than microflute material, may be used.

FIG. 5 c shows an absorbent material 86 attached to a support material88. For example, compressed cellulose (which is an example of absorbentmaterial) may be attached to paperboard (which is an example of supportmaterial) to provide material for base 42 and/or sleeve 24. Alternativeabsorbent materials may be used to provide support and/or absorptionproperties, such as kraft board, chip board, paper laminate, bogus kraftlaminate, laminated bogus paper, or kraft board laminate. Furtherexamples of absorbent substances that may be used include water solublepolymers, absorbent foam, woven or non-woven material, European pulpboard, starch-based products, cotton, and sponge material. Variouscombinations of the above-listed materials may be used together within asingle wrap.

In some embodiments, support material 88 may be a paper-based orcardboard-based material, and absorbent material 86 may be anon-paper-based and non-cardboard-based material that has absorptiveproperties, such a starch-based material or a cellulose material.

To provide increased surface area, a material 85, as illustrated in FIG.5 d, having one side with a shape similar to that of single-facedmicroflute cardboard may be employed. Unlike single-faced microflutecardboard, however, no interior air gaps are present within thematerial. Instead, material 45 may be a one-piece construction formedwith foam material, sponge material, starch-based material, paper-basedmaterial, or other suitable material. The additional absorptive materialmay provide additional absorption capacity for excess condensation.

In some embodiments, no outer support material is used, and the wrap maybe formed with a single material, which may allow for easiermanufacturing and/or better recyclability. For example, as shown in FIG.5 e, the base and/or sleeve may be formed with a pulp material 83. Pulpmaterial 83 may be a market pulp, meaning pulp that has beensubstantially dried into sheets. Examples of different pulps include:fluff pulp; northern bleached softwood kraft (NBSK) pulp; southernbleached softwood kraft (SBSK) pulp; northern bleached hardwood kraft(NBHK) pulp; southern bleached hardwood kraft (SBHK) pulp; andeucalyptus pulp, each of which can readily absorb water. Pulp isconventionally used as an input for paper or paperboard production, andtypically is produced as a sheet material. Pulp may be a chemical pulp,a chemi-thermo mechanical pulp (CTMP), or in some cases a mechanicalpulp or a thermo mechanical pulp (CTP). Pulp is available from varioussuppliers, including the International Paper Company, NorskeCanada, andWeyerhaeuser.

In one embodiment, pulp having a thickness of {fraction (1/32)}″ may beused, and in other embodiments, a thickness of {fraction (1/64)}″,{fraction (1/16)}″, ⅛″ or ¼″, or any other suitable thickness may beused. It should be noted that pulp may be used in combination with anouter support material such as paper or cardboard. In some embodiments,wraps that include pulp also may have a moisture-resistant orwater-resistant outer layer or outer coating on part or all of the wrap.

As mentioned above, it may be desirable to provide a wrap that tends togrip the container upon wetting. FIG. 6 shows wrap 22 including sleeve24 formed substantially of a starch-based material, according to anotherembodiment of the invention. Certain starch-based materials may startdissolving upon wetting and provide a tacky or sticky surface that helpsthe wrap grip the container. Examples of starch-based materials include,corn starch, rice starch, wheat starch, and so on. Green Cell™ foam,available from KTM Industries, Inc. of Lansing, Mich., is one example ofa starch-based material that may be used as an absorbent material.Another example of a starch-based material that may be used in someembodiments is a combination of starch and waste paper, for example thematerial used to make flupis® brand packaging peanuts, made by PSPPapierschaum A G, Achim, Germany.

Wrap 22 is shown in FIG. 6 as not having a base, however, in someembodiments wrap 22 may include a base made of the same or differentmaterial as sleeve 24.

A table is provided below of absorption rate testing results for severalmaterials that may be used with wraps disclosed herein (Table 1). Foreach material, one milliliter of water was placed on the material. Formaterials which absorbed the water nearly instantaneously or within onesecond, “<1 second” was recorded. For materials which did not absorb allof the water within two minutes, “>120 seconds” was recorded. TABLE 1Time to Absorb for Various Materials Absorbing Material Time to AbsorbDissolved Pulp (Reinforced Fiber) <1 second Dissolved Pulp (SteepingFiber) <1 second Wet Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA) Sponge <1 second Cotton <1second Paper Towels (folded to form 16 layers) <1 second ¼ inchCellulose Pad (Spontex ®) <1 second ¼ inch Cellulose Pad (Nylonge ®) <1second ⅛ inch Compressed Cellulose 2 seconds Coated Crafiboard fromKramer Carton Co., top 45 seconds layer removed and resulting topsurface roughed with sharp knife Single-Faced E-Flute (microflute) 90seconds, 75% Absorption Coated Craftboard from Kramer Carton Co. >120seconds, 50% Absorption Molded Pulp >120 seconds {fraction (1/20)} inchDouble Layer Corn Starch Sheet >120 seconds ¼ inch Corrugated StarchSheet >120 seconds ¼ inch Non-Corrugated Starch Sheet >120 seconds 3Stacked Layers of 70 Pound Indented Bogus >120 seconds Kraft Paper 6Stacked Layers of 70 Pound Indented Bogus >120 seconds Kraft PaperCorrugated Double-Faced Cardboard >120 seconds Thin Craftboard >120seconds Dry Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA) Sponge >120 seconds

For some of the embodiments of wraps disclosed herein, an outer layerthat provides structural support may be desirable. FIG. 7 shows a wrap22 comprising a sleeve 24 that is formed with at least two differentmaterials. A first, inner material 87 is formed with a material that iscapable of absorbing condensation. A second, outer material 91 is formedwith a material that is resistant to water or moisture. For example,outer material 91 may be a foam-based or plastic-based material thatresists moisture, is hydrophobic or allows for the application ofgraphics to sleeve 24. In some embodiments of the invention, themoisture barrier may be formed with a coating, such as polyurethane, ora thin film of water-resistant material that is provided on the exteriorsurface of the wrap.

Various wrap embodiments disclosed herein may be adapted to absorbcondensation that moves down from an area of a container that is notwrapped. An upper edge 93 of sleeve 24 may have a surface area thatabsorbs condensation as it moves down the outside wall of the container.In some embodiments, upper edge 93 may be thicker than the remainder ofsleeve 24 to provide additional absorption area. For example, in oneembodiment of a wrap, upper edge 93 may have a thickness of {fraction(1/4)}″, {fraction (3/8)}″, or ½″. The remainder of sleeve 24 may have athickness that is 25%, 50% or 75% of the upper edge thickness.

In some embodiments, instead of being a flat horizontal material, upperedge 93 may have features that provide additional surface area, such asridges or vertical pieces of material that are arranged adjacent to oneanother.

Referring back to FIG. 3, the location of base portion 64 relative to abottom portion 89 of arcuate strip 62 is illustrated according to oneembodiment. Extensions 90, 92 are provided between base portion 64 andarcuate strip 62 and between base portion 64 and tab 74. When assembled,this configuration may provide a wrap where the base is not directlyadjacent to the sleeve. Unlike the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3,extension 92 may be narrower than tab 74.

In some embodiments, base portion 64 may be constructed and arrangedsuch that the assembled wrap has a base that is close to lower edge 68,or a base that is positioned above lower edge 68 of the sleeve (i.e.,within the sleeve). For example, as illustrated in FIG. 8, no extensionsare provided between arcuate strip 62 and base portion 64, instead, baseportion 64 is directly attached to arcuate strip 62. Similarly, tab 74is directly attached to base portion 64 without an extension.

FIG. 9 shows an alternative embodiment of a unitary blank 102 that canbe assembled into a container wrap. Blank 102 includes two arcuatestrips 104, 106 integrally attached to a base portion 64. Side edges110, 112 of arcuate strip 104 may be attached to opposed edges 114, 116of arcuate strip 106 using adhesive, hook and loop fasteners or othersuitable method. Arcuate strips 104, 106 each may have a fold portion105, 107 located at one or both side edges. Fold portions 105, 107 maybe folded around the exterior of the opposing arcuate strip to providean area for attachment, for example with adhesive 75. In alternativeembodiments, fold areas 105, 107 may be folded within the interior ofthe opposing arcuate strip.

After attachment, the wrap may be folded along score lines 67 b, 67 c,or elsewhere, into a flat configuration for transport and/or storage.Base portion 64 does not need to be integrally attached to arcuatestrips 104, 106. Base portion 64 may be attached with adhesive, a taband slot arrangement, or by any other suitable method to either or bothof the arcuate strips. The illustrated embodiment includes extensions90, 92, but as with each of the embodiments disclosed herein, theextensions may be omitted and base portion 64 may be attached directlyto the arcuate strips.

FIG. 10 shows a unitary blank which may reduce material use duringdie-cutting operations. Blank 115 has two base portions 65 a, 65 brather than one base portion, resulting in a blank that fits into asmaller bounding rectangle than some other embodiments. Such a designmay allow for a higher number of blanks to be cut from a large piece ofmaterial as compared to some other embodiments.

In the embodiment of FIG. 10, the two base portions 65 a, 65 b are eachintegrally attached to arcuate strip 62 and arranged to be attached toone another along a diameter of the resulting base. Such an arrangementmay have the additional advantage of a larger attachment area 77 than,for example, the attachment area between tab portion 74 and arcuatestrip 62 of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3.

FIG. 11 shows an alternative embodiment of a blank 120 that can beassembled into a container wrap. A plurality of triangular segments 122may be attached to arcuate strip 62 such that when folded inwardly,triangular segments 122 form a base for a wrap. Triangular segments 122and/or arcuate strip 62 may include an absorbent material to absorbcondensation.

FIG. 12 shows an alternative embodiment for attaching base portion 64 toarcuate strip 62 that may eliminate the use of an adhesive, or provide astronger attachment when used in conjunction with an adhesive. Aninsertion tab 79 may be inserted into a slot 96 to attach base portion64 to arcuate strip 62. Somewhat similarly, arcuate strip 62 may have atab 97 and a slot 98 for assembling the sleeve portion of the wrap. Inalternative embodiments, slits (not shown) may be provided near sideedges 70, 72 such that one slit extends to lower edge 68 and the opposedslit extends to upper edge 66 and they may be used to attach side edges70, 72 together to form the sleeve portion.

FIG. 13 shows an alternative shape for a blank 130 configured to form awrap for a cylindrical container such as an aluminum can. Upper edge 132and lower edge 134 are straight so that a cylindrical tube is formedwhen a side edge 136 is attached to a side edge 138.

In an alternative embodiment of the invention, a blank may include acentral base portion having elongated trapezoids or triangles extendingtherefrom. The elongated trapezoids or triangles, attached to the centerbase portion along their shorter parallel side, may be folded upwardlyto form a frusto-conical shape for receiving a container. A thincardboard band or a ring may be used to bring the plurality oftrapezoids toward a central access. In other embodiments, shapes otherthan triangles or trapezoids may be used.

In another embodiment of the invention, a method of manufacturing abeverage container wrap is provided. The method includes providing ablank having a sleeve portion and a base portion. The base portion mayinclude an absorbent material. The sleeve portion may be shaped suchthat upon assembly, the sleeve has a frusto-conical shape. Side edges ofthe sleeve portion are attached to one another to form a sleeve, and thebase portion, or an element extending from the base portion, is attachedto the sleeve to form a base of the wrap.

Various manufacturing processes may be used during the manufacture of awrap or a blank for assembly into a wrap. Blanks may be die-cut fromsheets of material, portions of the wraps may be injection molded,thermoformed, or extruded. Foam expansion in a mold is another option,as is pulp molding.

It should be noted that embodiments of the wraps disclosed herein may beaffixed or adhered to a cup or other container such that the containerand wrap become one assembly. In other embodiments, a wrap may be formedon the exterior of the container during container production.

In some embodiments, a junction of the base and sleeve may be made to berelatively watertight in some embodiments. To produce such a wrap, thebase may be attached to the sleeve around the entire perimeter of thebase. For example, a wrap having the same general shape as the wrapshown in FIG. 2 may be made of molded plastic, molded paper, or moldedpulp and may include an absorbent material on the inside surface. Inother embodiments, a wrap may be constructed solely with molded pulp ormolded paper.

While in many of the embodiments described herein, a wrap having a baseand a sleeve is shaped and configured such that the sleeve directlycontacts an outer surface of a container, the sleeve may be sized suchthat it is larger than the outer surface of the container and does notcontact the container unless the sleeve is squeezed by a user (forinstance, while the user is holding the sleeve). In such an embodiment,the base may be configured to adhere or otherwise attach to thecontainer. Alternatively, the wrap having an oversized sleeve may bedesigned for use as a coaster wherein the container is lifted out of andplaced back into the wrap while the wrap remains on a surface.

For purposes herein, a “blank” is defined as a piece or pieces ofmaterial that are not finally assembled, but rather require at least onefurther operation. Multiple pieces, including different materials, mayconstitute a blank if the pieces are attached together into one article.A “unitary blank” is defined as a blank that is formed of a single pieceof material.

For purposes herein, the term “attached” refers to separate piecesconnected together by adhesive, a tab and slot arrangement, or any otherattaching arrangement. The term “attached” also refers to pieces orportions that are integrally connected.

As used herein, the term “frusto-conical” shall be understood to notrequire absolute conformance to a mathematical definition of this term,but rather shall be understood to indicate a general shape as would beunderstood by one skilled in the art most closely related to the subjectmatter herein. As used herein, a frusto-conical sleeve means a sleevethat has a substantial portion which is frusto-conically shaped. Forexample, a frusto-conical sleeve is considered to include a sleeve whichhas both a frusto-conical portion and a cylindrical portion.

Any of the embodiments of wraps disclosed herein may include materialsand/or surface features on the inner or outer surface of the wrap whichprovide an enhanced grip between the wrap and a container or between auser's hand and the wrap. Additionally, the exterior of the wrap mayhave a surface or a coating that allows for the printing of informationand/or advertisements on the exterior of the wrap.

This invention is not limited in its application to the details ofconstruction and the arrangement of components set forth in thedescription or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable ofother embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out invarious ways. Also, the phraseology and terminology used herein is forthe purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. Theuse of “including,” “comprising,” or “having,” “containing,”“involving,” and variations thereof herein, is meant to encompass theitems listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additionalitems.

Having thus described several aspects of at least one embodiment of thisinvention, it is to be appreciated that various alterations,modifications, and improvements will readily occur to those skilled inthe art. Such alterations, modifications, and improvements are intendedto be part of this disclosure, and are intended to be within the spiritand scope of the invention. Accordingly, the foregoing description anddrawings are by way of example only.

1. A wrap for a beverage container, comprising: a sleeve portion havinga top end and a bottom end; and a base portion disposed at the bottomend of the sleeve, the base portion comprising an absorbent materialselected from the group consisting of: single-faced microflutecardboard; cotton; a starch-based material; and a water-soluble polymer.2. A wrap as in claim 1, wherein the base portion comprises single-facedmicroflute cardboard.
 3. A wrap as in claim 1, wherein the base portioncomprises cotton.
 4. A wrap as in claim 1, wherein the base portioncomprises a starch-based material.
 5. A wrap as in claim 1, wherein thebase portion comprises a water-soluble polymer.
 6. A wrap as in claim 1,wherein the sleeve portion has a shape adapted to conform to the shapeof a portion of the beverage container.
 7. A wrap as in claim 1, whereinthe sleeve portion comprises a frusto-conical shape.
 8. A wrap as inclaim 1, wherein the sleeve portion comprises an absorbent material. 9.A wrap as in claim 1, wherein the sleeve portion and the base portioncomprise the same absorbent material.
 10. A wrap as in claim 1, whereinthe base portion comprises the absorbent material on a side adapted toface a bottom of the beverage container.
 11. A wrap as in claim 1,wherein the base portion is integral with the sleeve portion.
 12. A wrapas in claim 1, wherein the base portion is attached to the sleeveportion at at least two locations.
 13. A wrap as in claim 1, wherein thebase portion is integral with the sleeve portion at a first location andthe base portion is attached to the sleeve portion at a second location.14. A wrap as in claim 13, wherein the base portion is attached to thesleeve portion at the second location with adhesive.
 15. A wrap as inclaim 1, wherein the base portion comprises at least two pieces attachedtogether.
 16. A wrap as in claim 1, wherein the sleeve portion iscreased such that the sleeve portion can be pressed into a substantiallyflat configuration.
 17. A wrap as in claim 16, wherein the base portionis creased such that the sleeve portion can be pressed into asubstantially flat configuration.
 18. A wrap for a beverage container,comprising: a first portion forming a frusto-conical sleeve for wrappingat least a portion of the side of the beverage container, the firstportion comprising a first absorbent material; and a second portionforming a base disposed at or near a bottom of the sleeve, the secondportion comprising a second absorbent material.
 19. A wrap as in claim18, wherein the first and second absorbent materials are the same.
 20. Awrap as in claim 18, wherein the second portion comprises the absorbentmaterial on a side adapted to face a bottom of the beverage container.21. A wrap as in claim 20, wherein the first portion comprises theabsorbent material on a side adapted to face a side of the beveragecontainer.
 22. A wrap as in claim 18, wherein the first portion and thesecond portion comprise single-faced microflute cardboard.
 23. A wrap asin claim 18, wherein the first portion and the second portion comprise acellulosic material.
 24. A wrap as in claim 18, wherein the firstportion and the second portion comprise double face corrugatedcardboard.
 25. A wrap as in claim 18, wherein the first portion and thesecond portion comprise absorbent foam.
 26. A wrap as in claim 18,wherein the first portion is integral with the second portion.
 27. Awrap as in claim 18, wherein the second portion is attached to the firstportion at at least two locations.
 28. A wrap as in claim 18, whereinthe second portion is integral with the first portion at a firstlocation and the second portion is attached to the first portion at asecond location.
 29. A wrap as in claim 28, wherein the second portionis attached to the first portion at the second location with adhesive.30. A wrap as in claim 18, wherein the second portion comprises at leasttwo pieces attached together.
 31. A wrap as in claim 18, wherein thefirst portion is creased such that the first portion can be pressed intoa substantially flat configuration.
 32. A wrap as in claim 31, whereinthe second portion is creased such that the second portion can bepressed into a substantially flat configuration.
 33. A wrap as in claim18, wherein the frusto-conical sleeve comprises the entire sleeve.
 34. Awrap for a beverage container, comprising: a first portion forming afrusto-conical sleeve for wrapping at least a portion of the side of thebeverage container; and a second portion forming a base disposed at ornear a bottom of the sleeve, the sleeve being integral with the base,and at least one of the sleeve and the base comprising an absorbentmaterial.
 35. A wrap as in claim 34, wherein the first portion and thesecond portion comprise a same absorbent material.
 36. A wrap as inclaim 34, wherein the second portion comprises the absorbent material ona side adapted to face a bottom of the beverage container.
 37. A wrap asin claim 34, wherein the first portion and the second portion comprisesingle-faced microflute cardboard.
 38. A wrap as in claim 34, whereinthe first portion and the second portion comprise a cellulosic material.39. A wrap as in claim 34, wherein the first portion and the secondportion comprise double-faced corrugated cardboard.
 40. A wrap as inclaim 34, wherein the first portion and the second portion compriseabsorbent foam.
 41. A wrap as in claim 34, wherein the second portion isattached to the first portion at at least two locations.
 42. A wrap asin claim 34, wherein the second portion is integral with the firstportion at a first location and the second portion is attached to thefirst portion at a second location.
 43. A wrap as in claim 42, whereinthe second portion is attached to the first portion at the secondlocation with adhesive.
 44. A wrap as in claim 34, wherein the secondportion comprises at least two pieces attached together.
 45. A wrap asin claim 34, wherein the first portion is creased such that the firstportion can be pressed into a substantially flat configuration.
 46. Awrap as in claim 45, wherein the second portion is creased such that thesecond portion can be pressed into a substantially flat configuration.47. A wrap as in claim 34, wherein the first portion and the secondportion comprise pulp.
 48. A wrap as in claim 47, wherein the firstportion and the second portion comprise a steeping fiber.
 49. A wrap asin claim 47, wherein the first portion and the second portion comprise areinforced fiber.
 50. A wrap as in claim 34, wherein the frusto-conicalsleeve comprises the entire sleeve.
 51. A blank for forming a wrap for abeverage container, comprising: an arcuate strip having a lower end,with a first curved edge, for forming at least a portion of a bottom endof a sleeve, and further having an upper end, with a second curved edgefor forming at least a portion of a top end of the sleeve, such thatwhen the blank is assembled into the wrap for the beverage container,the arcuate strip forms at least a portion of a frusto-conical sleeve; afirst base portion extending from the lower end of the arcuate stripsuch that when the blank is assembled into the wrap for the beveragecontainer, the first base portion is located at or near the bottom endof the sleeve; wherein at least one of the base portion and the arcuatestrip comprises an absorbent material that is exposed on a side thatfaces inwardly when the blank is assembled into the wrap for thebeverage container.
 52. A blank as in claim 51, wherein the arcuatestrip forms substantially the entire frusto-conical sleeve.
 53. A blankas in claim 52, wherein first base portion forms substantially theentire base.
 54. A blank as in claim 51, wherein first base portionforms substantially the entire base.
 55. A blank as in claim 51, furthercomprising a second base portion that extends from the lower end of thearcuate strip.
 56. A blank as in claim 55, wherein the first and secondbase portions are adapted to be connected together during assembly. 57.A blank as in claim 51, further comprising a plurality of base portionsthat extend from the lower end of the arcuate strip and are adapted tobe connected together during assembly to form a base of the wrap for thebeverage container.
 58. A blank as in claim 51, further comprising asecond arcuate strip having a second lower end, with a third curvededge, for forming at least a portion of the bottom end of the sleeve,and further having a second upper end, with a fourth curved edge that islonger than the third curved edge, for forming at least a portion of thetop end of the sleeve, such that when the blank is assembled into thewrap for the beverage container, the second arcuate strip forms at leasta portion of the frusto-conical sleeve; wherein the first base portionextends between the lower end of the first and second arcuate strips.59. A blank as in claim 58, wherein the first and second arcuate stripsare constructed and arranged to be connected together to formsubstantially the entire frusto-conical sleeve.
 60. A blank as in claim51, wherein the first base portion comprises an absorbent material thatis exposed on a side that faces inwardly when the blank is assembledinto the wrap for the beverage container.
 61. A blank as in claim 51,wherein the first base portion and the arcuate strip each comprise anabsorbent material that is exposed on a side that faces inwardly whenthe blank is assembled into the wrap for the beverage container.
 62. Awrap as in claim 51, wherein the first base portion and the arcuatestrip comprise single-faced microflute cardboard.
 63. A wrap as in claim51, wherein the first base portion and the arcuate strip comprise acellulosic material.
 64. A wrap as in claim 51, wherein the first baseportion and the arcuate strip comprise double-faced corrugatedcardboard.
 65. A wrap as in claim 51, wherein the first base portion andthe arcuate strip comprise absorbent foam.
 66. A wrap as in claim 51,wherein the first base portion is attached to the arcuate strip at atleast two locations.
 67. A wrap as in claim 51, wherein the first baseportion is integral with the arcuate strip at a first location and thefirst base portion is attached to the arcuate strip at a secondlocation.
 68. A wrap as in claim 67, wherein the first base portion isattached to the arcuate strip at the second location with adhesive. 69.A wrap as in claim 51, wherein the first base portion comprises at leasttwo pieces attached together.
 70. A wrap as in claim 51, wherein thearcuate strip is scored to aid in folding the arcuate strip into asubstantially flat configuration.
 71. A wrap as in claim 70, wherein thefirst base portion is scored to aid in folding the first base portioninto a substantially flat configuration.
 72. A wrap as in claim 51,wherein the second curved edge is longer than the first curved edge. 73.A wrap as in claim 51, wherein the frusto-conical sleeve comprises theentire sleeve.
 74. A wrap for a beverage container, comprising: an outerlayer including at least one of a cardboard material, a paper material,and a paperboard material; and an inner layer attached to the outerlayer, the inner layer including a material that is not any of acardboard material, a paper material, and a paperboard material.
 75. Awrap as in claim 74, wherein the inner layer includes a starch-basedmaterial.
 76. A wrap as in claim 74, wherein the inner layer includes asponge material.
 77. A wrap as in claim 74, wherein the wrap comprises asleeve and a base attached to the sleeve.
 78. A wrap for a beveragecontainer comprising: a sleeve adapted to wrap the beverage container,the sleeve comprising a pulp material.
 79. A wrap as in claim 78,wherein an outer surface of the sleeve comprises a moisture-resistantlayer.
 80. A wrap as in claim 79, wherein the moisture-resistant layeris a coating.
 81. A wrap as in claim 78, further including a baseattached to the sleeve, the base formed of a pulp material.
 82. A wrapas in claim 78, wherein the sleeve comprises fluff pulp.
 83. A wrap asin claim 78, wherein the sleeve comprises softwood pulp.
 84. A wrap asin claim 78, wherein the sleeve comprises hardwood pulp.
 85. A wrap asin claim 78, wherein the sleeve comprises market pulp.
 86. A wrap for abeverage container comprising: a sleeve adapted to wrap the beveragecontainer, the sleeve comprising a starch-based material.